If you’ve clicked through to this guide, chances are you’re interested in visiting British Columbia. If you’re wondering what it’s like, we’d like to come straight out of the gate by saying that it’s a brilliant part of the world to visit, with a bounty of stunning wilderness areas and places of deep cultural significance.
We can tell you some of the things you can expect when visiting British Columbia, but no two journeys and no two travelers are entirely the same — so keep an open mind and look for the experiences that appeal to you most.
If anything we say in this brief guide to traveling to British Columbia inspires you to travel here with BeWild Adventures, then please take a look at our private guided tours from Vancouver, and please get in touch if you have any questions.
Why Visit BC?
If you’re considering a trip to Canada, British Columbia should be high on your list of places to visit. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse cities, and endless outdoor activities, BC has something to offer for every type of traveler. We hope to give you a glimpse into what it’s like to travel to British Columbia.
But why visit BC? The answer is different depending on who you ask, but the BeWild Adventures team would all say that it’s the outstanding natural beauty that lets British Columbia stand out. It’s impossible not to be inspired by BC’s wild beauty.
Canada is famous for its majestic natural beauty, and BC is home to many of the top national parks and beauty spots! So, if you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure destination, BC is up there with Iceland, the Scottish Highlands, and New Zealand!
The Legendary BC Scenery
The stunning scenery of BC was the inspiration behind BeWild Adventures. We went out to the hills, mountains, and waterfalls and discovered a profound love of nature we wanted to share with the world.
British Columbia is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, including part of the Canadian Rockies, pristine lakes, and rugged coastline.
You don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy the views, as BC offers countless opportunities for exploring its natural beauty. You can go on epic hikes or small jaunts into nature. Choose your own adventure.
If you’d like to get out in nature this summer, but with added safety, convenience, and lots of local passion, then consider our summer hiking day trips in BC. With these trips, we take you out into nature, driving you from Vancouver. We take all the stress out of the day and show you the best spots you probably won’t find in the guidebooks!
The Waterfalls of British Columbia
From the iconic peaks of Whistler to the stunning Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery to experience in BC. And while we love all of it, it’s the waterfalls scattered throughout British Columbia that made us fall in love with the province.
Many just a short drive from Vancouver, BC is loaded with beautiful waterfalls and we love nothing more than to show guests our favorites! If this sounds like the ideal day out for you, check out our range of waterfall tours from Vancouver.
The Cities and Towns of British Columbia
In addition to its natural beauty, BC is also home to several vibrant cities and towns that offer a range of cultural experiences.
Vancouver, the largest city in BC, and it is a bustling metropolis with a thriving arts scene, diverse food culture, and endless shopping opportunities. Many people visit BC and spend the entire time in Vancouver.
Victoria is on Vancouver Island and it is the capital of BC. Victoria offers a more laid-back vibe than Vancouver, with beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and charming waterfront views. Then, from Victoria, you can explore the renowned natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Our advice is to just head out in the car and get lost. Then, if you’re REALLY lost, just get the GPS out…
If you like cities but you’re looking for a smaller-town feel, you might consider checking out places like Tofino or Nelson, which are known for their unique local communities and beautiful surroundings. There are numerous other small towns that deserve a mention, so perhaps in the future we’ll write a guide to BC’s small towns.
Outdoor Activities and Sports in British Columbia
Along with natural beauty, another thing that sets BC apart from many other destinations is the abundance of outdoor activities available year-round.
In the winter, you can hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts like Whistler or Revelstoke. In the summer, you can go hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and so much more — all in one of the many national parks or wilderness areas.
And in the fall, you can witness British Columbia’s stunning foliage as the leaves change color throughout the province. This is a truly seasonal province, and there is so much to see and do at each time of year.
The Culture and History of British Columbia
Of course, traveling to BC also means you have the opportunity to experience its unique culture and history. From the indigenous communities that have lived on this land for thousands of years to the diverse immigrant communities that have shaped its cities and towns, BC is a melting pot of cultures and traditions.
You can learn about the province’s rich history by visiting museums and historic sites, or by attending cultural festivals and events. We won’t list different types of festivals here, but that might also be a great topic for a future travel guide.
Visiting BC is ‘Relatively’ Safe
While we find that avid travelers are inherently braver and bolder than your average person, it always helps to know that your desired travel destination is considered safe. Traveling to BC is relatively easy and safe for visitors. The province has a well-developed transportation system that includes international airports, highways, and public transportation.
The healthcare system is also excellent, ensuring that visitors have access to quality medical care if needed. And while it’s always important to take precautions when traveling, BC is generally considered a safe destination with low crime rates.
Traveling to British Columbia is an unmissable experience and we hope we’ve convinced one or two readers to start planning their big BC adventure.
From its stunning natural beauty to its diverse cities and endless outdoor activities, BC has something for everyone. It’s one of the best destinations in Canada and we’re extremely pleased to call it home.
So, why not plan your next adventure in this breathtaking province? If you have any questions about our BC tours and hikes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
